H-E-B Funds New K-9 for APD (Press Release)

The Abilene Police Department is excited to announce a funding decision that will provide highly essential police services to our community. In a remarkable gesture of commitment to our community, H-E-B has partnered with APD to provide a replacement Police Service Animal, commonly referred to as a K-9. Recently, K-9 Diablo was diagnosed with a debilitating health condition that has unfortunately forced us to remove him from active service. His handler is Officer Joshua New.

A replacement K-9 will cost $15,000, but with H-E-B’s extraordinary generosity, APD will be able to maintain five police K-9’s. Four are currently assigned to the Patrol Division, and the fifth is assigned to the Narcotics Division. Police K-9’s can detect narcotics, help track down persons who have evaded apprehension, and they can assist officers during violent arrest situations. K-9’s are partners with officers and directly assist in the investigation of crimes, and they ultimately provide exemplary and dedicated service to our community. Diablo has done the same by providing six years of service to Abilene. Last year alone, even with medical conditions which plagued Diablo, he and his handler were responsible for the following: 66 misdemeanor arrests; 36 felony arrests; two successful tracks; 221 vehicles searched; 41 building searches and eight school searches. His service will be missed.

With a heartfelt thanks to H-E-B for their commitment to us and our community, I praise Unit Director David McKenzie and H-E-B for making such a thoughtful decision. We look forward to purchasing a new partner for Officer New in the weeks ahead. Our media partners are invited to attend a press event today at H-E-B at 11:00 am. Officer New and K-9 Partner Diablo will be available for photographs and/ or interviews.